“Large gaps exist between progressive California policy focused on ‘net zero buildings’ and the technology currently in use for those operating the majority of buildings today,” states Stapleton. “We have one of the largest real estate markets in the world here in Los Angeles, and many owners and operators are committed to a net zero future. So one of the best things we can do locally to help accelerate progress is to identify pilot-ready solutions focused on reducing carbon, energy, water and waste, and provide them with expert help, increased awareness, and real opportunities to prove the benefits while collecting invaluable data. USGBC-LA plans to be a major player in advancing net zero, with the goal of getting to net positive building technology adoption.”

The Net Zero Accelerator will focus on “pilot ready” innovation that helps make zero carbon, zero energy, zero water, and zero waste buildings a reality for the region today. The accelerator will source companies—domestic and international—with an emphasis on promotion and placing pilots with building partners at the end of the program. Technology focus areas include Decarbonization, Integrated Renewables, Energy Efficiency, Resiliency, Waste Reduction & Diversion, Water Recycling and Conservation.

Free to selected applicants, and with no equity participation required, the six (6)-month accelerator is expected to be highly competitive and includes:

Sustained, professional marketing and storytelling through a leading and respected organization to amplify awareness of cohort companies and technologies.

High potential for pilots with partner building sites, with leads and business development opportunities from committed owner-operators.

Peer-to-peer learning, networking, and talent sourcing opportunities.

With the goal of getting 10 pilot-ready technologies into 10 buildings , expert building owners/operators, industry experts, investors, utilities, and large corporates are currently being recruited, with the following already committing their early engagement: Blue Bear Capital, BuroHappold Engineering, CA State University at Dominguez Hills, the City of Los Angeles, Fifth Wall Ventures, Frederick Fisher and Partners, HDR, i(x) investments, Kilroy Realty Corporation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Rising Realty, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison, Tishman Speyer, UCLA, and The Westin Bonaventure.

To lead the program’s development, Stapleton has recruited Neal Anderson—Co-Founder of the LA Cleantech Incubator—as Director of the Accelerator. “There are a lot of great resources out there for startups, both in LA and beyond. The Net Zero Accelerator is exciting and different, as the laser focus is to get viable solutions directly into the built environment right now, and celebrate the heck out of these market-ready innovators and green building leaders,” states Anderson. “Validating your business and getting those first customers is tough stuff for emerging entrepreneurs, let alone getting the right attention from the right people. By addressing those barriers head-on, the companies that make the cut will get critical support from amazing and committed partners that are driving a net zero future. The wide range of expertise and resources that USGBC-LA can offer these companies is powerful and real.”

About U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles

USGBC-LA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to creating a prosperous and sustainable future within one generation. Our mission promotes sustainability in LA County’s built environment by delivering access to knowledge, resources, recognition and networking. (www.usgbc-la.org)